FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: John H. Willis ~ March 5, 2012

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[Kathy in Alaska]

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~ Hall of Heroes ~

John H. Willis

Info from here.

           

John Harlan Willis was born on 10 June 1921 in Columbia, Tennessee. Following graduation from high school, in November 1940 he enlisted from that state as an Apprentice Seaman in the U.S. Navy. He received recruit training at Naval Training Station, Norfolk, Virginia and corpsman training at the Norfolk Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia. In March 1941, Willis was promoted to Seaman, Second Class and was briefly assigned to the Naval Hospital, Parris Island, South Carolina, transferring to Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida in the late spring. In August 1941 he was promoted to Hospital Apprentice First Class and, in December, to Pharmacist's Mate Third Class. After receiving a promotion to Pharmacist's Mate Second Class in September 1942, Willis served with Naval Operating Base Units, organizing and training units for overseas service. In July 1943 he was promoted to Pharmacist's Mate First Class. That November he joined the Training Detachment, Field Medical School Battalion, Fleet Marine Force Training Center at Camp Elliot, San Diego, California, transferring in early 1944 to Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, Fifth Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California.

With his unit, he participated as a Platoon Corpsman in the battle of Iwo Jima. On 28 February 1945, while aiding fallen Marines during a fierce action near Japanese-held Hill 362, he was wounded and ordered back to the battle-aid station. Disregarding his injuries, Willis returned to the battle area to resume casualty assistance. He was helping a wounded Marine when the enemy attacked with hand grenades. After throwing eight grenades back at the enemy, he was killed when one exploded in his hand. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, " he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. John H. Willis is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery, Columbia, Tennessee.

 

 

USS John Willis (DE-1027), 1957-1973, was named in honor of Pharmacist's Mate First Class John H. Willis.

Medal of Honor citation of Pharmacist's Mate First Class
John Harlan Willis, USN:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Platoon Corpsman serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 28 February 1945. Constantly imperiled by artillery and mortar fire from strong and mutually supporting pillboxes and caves studding Hill 362 in the enemy's cross-island defenses, WILLIS resolutely administered first aid to the many Marines wounded during the furious close-in fighting until he himself was struck by shrapnel and was ordered back to the battle-aid station. Without waiting for official medical release, he quickly returned to his company and, during a savage hand-to-hand enemy counterattack, daringly advanced to the extreme front lines under mortar and sniper fire to aid a Marine lying wounded in a shell-hole. Completely unmindful of his own danger as the Japanese intensified their attack, WILLIS calmly continued to administer blood plasma to his patient, promptly returning the first hostile grenade which landed in the shell-hole while he was working and hurling back seven more in quick succession before the ninth one exploded in his hand and instantly killed him. By his great personal valor in saving others at the sacrifice of his own life, he inspired his companions, although terrifically outnumbered, to launch a fiercely determined attack and repulse the enemy force. His exceptional fortitude and courage in the peformance of duty reflect the highest credit upon WILLIS and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

 

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 

 

[luvie]

Amen!

[ConorMacNessa]

Damn! I had no idea that was from Gallo! I'm drinking Canyon Oaks tonight - another inexpensive wine, but frankly, the way I guzzle them down there's little point in paying big dollars!



Nos genuflectitur ad non princeps sed Princeps Pacem!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[ConorMacNessa]

Will do, of course, Connie! As you say, my Brothers-in-Arms are always in my thoughts and prayers. Without them, we would be utterly lost!



Nos genuflectitur ad non princeps sed Princeps Pacem!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Mac, for bringing Pharmacist’s Mate First Class
John Harlan Willis to our attention.

I can’t imagine catching and throwing back 8 grenades. He did everything he could to protect....a true hero.

[Kathy in Alaska]

TAPS

RIP

Cpl Conner T Lowry, USMC
2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment,
1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force

Eternal Father Strong To Save - click

[BIGLOOK]

Aloha again Night Owl! ((HUGS))

Just off the phone with the mainland....lining up call times because of the considerable disruption that DST causes in communication. Even if you get to vote on it and opt out, you still have to deal with it with the rest of the lower 48, save Arizona.

[ConorMacNessa]

Kathy, I got the information on Doc Willis on Together We Served - a site I visit daily. One of the posters there puts up a post every day on Marine history for that date and includes any MOH recipients. The past few days, recounting the Iwo Jima Campaign, has yielded a large number of heroes. For actions on March 3, 1945, there were six Medals of Honor awarded to members of the 5th Marine Division, two of whom were corpsmen. The citations are all similar - wounded, refused or did not receive aid, rescued wounded and pinned down comrades at the cost of their own lives. They exemplify the best of our citizenry.

I am in awe of the Marines who fought in the Pacific, particularly those who fought on Iwo Jima. FADM Nimitz stated that on Iwo Jima "Uncommon valor was a common virtue." He was so right, and the current generation of our troops, of all branches, are upholding and augmenting that splendid tradition.

They are worthy of every accolade we can bestow upon them, and we are all eternally in their debt!



Nos genuflectitur ad non princeps sed Princeps Pacem!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Luv...((HUGS))...throwing grenades back out of the hole you are in. A true hero.

[ConorMacNessa]

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

Tattoo

Must retire – the 0500 Reveille approaches relentlessly – the bugler already mounts the parapet. Will chat with you all on the morrow.

Good night, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America!

Godspeed our Troops around the Globe – especially those in harm’s way – by virtue of their service and sacrifice we continue to live in Freedom!

Nos genuflectitur ad non princeps sed Princeps Pacem!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[SandRat]

50?

[SandRat]

50?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Mayor...((HUGS))...thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.

[Kathy in Alaska]

God Bless you good, Mac. Good night and rest well. Thanks for helping honor our troops, past and present. Thank you for your service to our country.

[luvie]

Well, aren’t you nice! ((((Hugs)))) back!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Mr Willis was a very, very brave man.
They must have broken the mold when they made him!

Just cruising by to say Hi.
Quiet day here, but nice.
We celebrated Mr Bs birthday with lobsters and steamed clams. and had strawberry cheesecake for dessert!
Yum!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Happy Birthday, Mr B!!

Click

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Mac, for the Missing Man Setting as we remember those who have given their all that we may gather safe and secure.

[Kathy in Alaska]

[Kathy in Alaska]

Honoring Our Heroes

2LT Rebecca USA (Daughter of U S Army EOD)
3 sons (armymarinemom and amdad)
86th Fighter Weapons Squadron "Combat Hammer" (saminfl)
AbnSarge USA
Adam USAF (Grumpybutt)
Allegra
Anoreth USCG (daughter of Tax-chick)
aviator USAF
BIGLOOK USN
Brett USN (CindyDawg)
Brother and Son-in-Law (kalee)
Cannoneer No. 4
CAPT Bryan USA (Diver Dave)
CAPT Future Snake Eater USA (RightOnline)
CAPT Jason Clendenin (friend of Frou)
Chris USA (amom)
Chuck USA (RightOnline)
CMS USA
COL Mike (gpapa)
ConorMacNessa USN USMC
CPT Carol USA, Nurse Corps (Vineyard)
David USAF (LUV W)
Defender2
Deven USA (Shimmer)
Diver Dave USN
Drumbo USN
Ethan USMC (georgiabelle)
forgotenknight13 USA (grandson of Monkey Face)
Fred (DocRock)
GulfWar1Vet USA
HiJinx USA
IS2 Brianne USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
IS2 Heather USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
Jade Falcon USN
James USA (Grumpybutt)
JemiansTerror USA (Jemian)
Jet Jaguar USAF
Joel (NEMDF)
Jonathan USMC (AZbushgal)
Josh USN (doug from upland)
Karen USA (fatima's granddaughter)
Kenneth (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
Kevin USMC (skimask)
Kevin and David USA (vigilante2)
KJD USAF (SuzyQue)
Laurita USA
LCpl Carter USMC
LCpl Joe USMC (Don’tMessWithTexas)
Lindsay (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
LT David (Coldwater Creek)
LTjg Gerald USN (Vineyard)
M1911A1 USMC (M0sby)
M1Tanker
Major Jennifer USA (Diver Dave)
Major joma89 USAF
MEG33's Navy Grandson
Michael USAR (RightOnline)
Mike1Sg USA (mystery-ak)
Milo828 USA (mystery-ak)
MSgt Eddie USAF ( Son of ThomasPaine2000, CMSgt USAF, Ret)
MSGT Glen Ignasiak USAF (nephew of AirForceMom)
Nate USN (sneakers)
Navy Chaplain, Lt Nathan Rice (ColdwaterCreek)
Old Sarge USA
OneLoyalAmerican USCG
PFC Jake USMC (son of Enough_Deceit)
Philetus USA
PROCON USA
Publius USA
Rick USAF (Doogle)
Robert, Jeremy, Daynnis USA (SoldierDad)
SandRat USA
Sat-Com Chris USA (son of KC Burke)
SGT Alex USA (son of Enough_Deceit)
SGT Chris USA (son of Vineyard)
SGT Ev USA (Mozie)
SGT Gray USA (colorcountry’s son)
SGT Matt USMC (SuzyQue)
SGT Robert USMC (MarineMom613)
SGT Sean Reed (preed)
Son USCG (GodBlessUSA)
SPC Drew USA (brother-in-law Stonewall Jackson)
SPC Mike USA (AbnSarge)
SPC Ted USA (nephew of hoagy62)
SPC William Akin USA (Step-son of BlueLancer)
SPC4 Adam USA (nephew of Repeal The 17th)
SPC4 Dan USA (son of swmobuffalo)
SSG Brian USA (repubmom)
SSG Dustin USA (SIL of U S Army EOD)
SSG Dusty USA (MountainDad)
SSG Mitchel USA (tina07)
SSG Spencer USA (grame)
SSGT Adam USA (Diver Dave)
SSGT Don May Jr USMC (debm29palms)
SSGT John Linde USA (JFoxbear)
SSGT The Black Knight USAF
Stevan USA (Grumpybutt)
Terrence USN (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
The Sailor
TMSuchman USMC
tongue-tied USN/USA
Tonkin USN/USCG
TSGT Jason M Kibler USAF (son of AirForceMom)
SFC txradioguy USA
USAFSecurityForces (son of visualops & TheStickman)
Valerie USAF (Shimmer)
Victor and Tony D USMC (weldgophardline)
Vineyard USN
William USA (jackv)
WOs Bob and Michelle USA (nephew, and his wife, of BnBlFlag)

 

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning/afternoon/evening/night Troops, wherever you are.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep all of us free and safe.

Thanks, unique, for the pastries.

Coffee is always on........

How about a donut?

Cookies?

Veggies?

Sandwich?